Lerone Murphy Fears Alexander Volkanovski Will Retire After His Next Fight
Lerone Murphy has drawn attention across the MMA community after suggesting that Alexander Volkanovski may be approaching the end of his UFC career. The undefeated featherweight contender recently said he believes Volkanovski will retire after his next fight, a claim that carries weight given the champion’s long run at the top of the division. Volkanovski spent years beating the best guys in the cage and proved he is a model of consistency. Because he rarely loses, any hint that he might hang up the gloves feels like a massive shift for the sport.
Speculation around Volkanovski’s future has started to influence betting discussions as well. When the future of a dominant champion is uncertain, odds can change quickly, and bettors tend to pay close attention. In moments like this, timing and ease of access become more important, especially for users reacting to news as it breaks. That has pushed some bettors to look beyond traditional platforms toward faster, lower-friction options. This has brought renewed interest in platforms that operate without traditional KYC checks, especially among users looking for faster access and fewer restrictions when placing bets. No-verification betting sites have attracted a growing audience thanks to simpler sign-ups, competitive lines, and quicker withdrawals, and uncertainty around a major title fight often increases activity across these markets.
Murphy’s comments also reflect his own position in the division, which has made wrestling news. Despite remaining unbeaten and producing several convincing performances, he has yet to receive a title opportunity. That has led to understandable frustration, especially as potential matchups slip away. Murphy has spoken openly about wanting to test himself against Volkanovski, viewing it as a career-defining challenge. If the champion does step away after his next bout, Murphy believes that opportunity will be lost, making the timing particularly disappointing from his point of view.
Volkanovski stays quiet about hanging up the gloves for good. He talks about his training and nothing else. Right now, he just wants to beat his next opponent and stay a champion. Still, years of intense training camps, tough weight cuts, and championship bouts naturally lead to questions about longevity. The lack of a formal announcement does not matter much right now. This specific topic has already forced its way into every major conversation about where the division goes from here.
Murphy feels the pressure. He needs to chase his dreams right now. He wants to keep his momentum going by fighting the best in the business instead of sitting around. With major UFC events approaching and the possibility of competing in front of a home crowd in the UK, Murphy is keen to make a statement that keeps him firmly in the title mix. Beating a top-ranked opponent right now puts him next in line for a title shot. He just needs the current rankings to shift a little bit.
The featherweight ranks are already a shark tank. Murphy just threw more fuel on the fire. Volkanovski might walk away soon or stay to fight off challengers, but fans have a new reason to watch closely. The top of the featherweight class is getting crowded. If the king falls, the whole landscape changes for the guys waiting in line. All eyes are on Volkanovski right now. His performance matters, but his choices will also ripple through the rankings. This shift determines if Murphy and other rising stars finally get their shot at the top.
